Dissecting the most complex structure of them all - the brain.

The brain is considered to be the most complex structure known to man, so to able to supervise a brain dissection for our Tormead girls was truly one of the most interesting moments of my career. The excitement in the room at the start of the session was palpable. For the first few minutes, the girls were taught about basic brain anatomy and key structures were highlighted; the gyri, sulci, cerebral lobes, cerebellum, brainstem and even the pituitary stalk. Dissecting equipment and a KYTOS Dissecting guide were provided for each group of four – and then the brains were allocated. At first, the girls seemed hesitant to cut them for fear of damaging their intricate exterior. Curiosity soon got the better of them and they proceeded to make surgical like incisions, revealing the inner structures of the organ – fantastic questions were asked about areas of necrotic tissue that were visible, and the causes of strokes and their effect on the brain. The girls were filled with a sense of awe and wonder, and left the session asking if they could provisionally sign up to the following month’s dissection.